A Whale Fall Feeds Dozens of Sharks

A massive humpback whale lies on a shallow coastal flat as dozens of reef sharks gather around the remains. When the tide rises, the sharks can move closer to the carcass and feed on the nutrients it provides. What looks like the end of one giant animal can become an important food source for many other creatures in the marine ecosystem. When a whale dies, its body can support scavengers and help transfer energy through the food web. Sharks and other marine animals may feed on the soft tissue, while the nutrients released during decomposition can benefit surrounding organisms. Scientists call the long-lasting ecological process associated with a whale carcass on the seafloor a “whale fall.” In shallow water, the species involved and the duration of the feeding event depend on local conditions. Disclaimer: This video is shared for educational purposes. The cause of the whale’s death and the exact circumstances of the feeding event cannot be confirmed from the description alone. #HumpbackWhale #ReefSharks #MarineEcosystem